Pipette carousel with germicidal lamp

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for decontaminating and storing lab instruments such as pipettes. A carousel feature of the apparatus provides convenient access and allows multiple items to be decontaminated at the same time. The ultraviolet lamp directs UV radiation to surface contaminations of the instruments and effectively eliminates various microorganisms.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.17/374,761, filed Jul. 13, 2021, which is a divisional application ofU.S. application Ser. No. 16/375,991, filed Apr. 5, 2019, issued as U.S.Pat. No. 11,141,497 on Oct. 12, 2021.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for decontaminating andstoring lab instruments such as pipettes.

BACKGROUND

Device sterilization processes, and in particular lab instrumentdecontamination processes, often involve dis-assembling, washing anddrying to remove the contaminants. For instance, in labs focusing oncell culture, microbiology, molecular studies or PCR, even if extra careis exercised to prevent contamination, pipettes used by multipletechnicians can easily become carriers of stray DNA, mycoplasma or othermicro-organism contamination. It is therefore necessary to dis-assemblethe pipette, subject them to cleaning solutions, and remove residualmoisture or solvents in the pipette components. Sometimes recalibrationof the pipette may be required.

Accordingly, apparatuses and methods for storing devices/instruments anddecontaminating microorganisms would be desirable.

SUMMARY

It would be desirable to provide an apparatus and method that address atleast some of the issues discussed above, as well as other potentialissues. Moreover, it would be beneficial to furnish an integrated systemfor storage and decontamination, wherein no separate device is required.

Accordingly, apparatuses and methods are disclosed for storage anddecontamination purposes substantially as shown in and/or described inconnection with at least one of the figures, and as set forth morecompletely in the claims.

More specifically, examples of the present disclosure are generallydirected to apparatuses, and methods for decontaminating and storing adevice or instrument, wherein no separate germicidal device is requiredand wherein an ultraviolet lamp member and auxiliary components areintegrated into a storage apparatus.

The apparatus disclosed herein provides effective and efficientdecontamination for various devices or instruments. Biologicalcontaminations including for example DNA, mycoplasma, bacteria, fungiand viruses can be reduced, in exemplary implementations, by up to 99%.There is no need to dis-assemble or recalibrate after cleaning and nowaiting for devices or instruments to cool before using.

The apparatus of the present disclosure generally includes a base, ahousing connected to the base and having a bottom and a sidewall, arotatable cap having a plurality of openings and forming an enclosurewith the housing, an ultraviolet light source in the enclosure, and areflector positioned along interior surface of the side wall forreflecting light from the light source.

Each of the openings on the cap provides access to the enclosure, wherean object to be decontaminated is irradiated under UV light. Theopenings can be configured in different ways to suit the positioning andentry of objects of different shapes. For instance, a pipette having ahandle portion and a shaft portion will need to have the handle portionsecured to the opening while the shaft portion is exposed to UV lightinside the housing for decontamination. Therefore, the opening is sizedaccordingly to pass the shaft. Meanwhile, the wider handle portion isheld at the opening without being inserted deep into the housing so thatthe pipette can be readily retrieved. This can be achieved via meanssuch as a properly sized guiding channel in the opening or a securingmeans such as an expandable clip.

Two, three, four, five, six or more openings can be positioned in thecap. As explained above, the shape and size of the openings may be thesame or different depending on the intended use. In someimplementations, the openings are aligned in a circular fashion on thecap. This alignment coupled with a rotation means for the cap provides acarousel feature for the apparatus and allows a technician or apurchaser to easily select the correct object simply by rotating thecap. To facilitate the rotation, the cap can include a handle forinitiating the rotating and stopping the rotation. In an exemplaryimplementation, the handle is a protrusion or a stick at the center ofthe cap.

The cap is mounted on top of the housing to form an enclosure. In someimplementations, the cap rotates together with the housing attachedthereto, while the base remains stationary. The base may include forexample a retainer, a circular guide or a channel in the center, whichholds the bottom of the housing in position and facilitate the rotationof the housing. In some implementations, only the cap rotates and thehousing remains stationary. The top edge of the side wall of the housingmay include a retainer, circular guide or channel to guide the rotationof the cap.

The cap may also include a handle for controlling the rotation. Thehandle is preferably positioned at the center of the cap.

The UV light source can be placed at any suitable position in theenclosure. Preferably, the light source is at the center of the base. Insome implementations, the light source irradiates light havingwavelength ranging from about 240 to about 280 nm. In someimplementations, the light has a wavelength of about 254 nm. In someimplementations, the light source is a UV-C lamp. The wattage of thelamp ranges for example from about 200 to about 600 watts.

The reflector is circularly aligned along the interior of the side wall.In an exemplary implementation, the reflector provides a 360° reflectionof the UV light. The exact height and angle of the reflector relative tothe base can be adjusted if necessary depending on the location of theobject to be decontaminated. In some implementations, the reflectorcontains a polymer surface coating on a metal substrate. In an exemplaryimplementation, the surface coating is polyester and the metal substratefor the surface coating is aluminum.

To prevent the UV light from escaping the enclosure, additionalstructural features and special materials can be incorporated to theapparatus. In some implementations, the cap has a protrusion towards thelight source. The protrusion serves to block UV light escaping throughthe openings. In an exemplary implementation, the protrusion has atubular shape. Regardless of the actual shape of the protrusion, it canbe transparent, translucent, or opaque. Other polymers can also be usedfor the construction of the protrusion as long as it helps to filter offUV light. In some implementations, the protrusion is a tube made of amaterial comprising or consisting essentially of polycarbonate.

The side wall of the housing can be similarly made from a UV resistantor UV stabilized material. In some implementations, the side wall ismade of a material comprising or consisting essentially ofpolycarbonate. In some implementations, the side wall is transparent orsemi-transparent so that the position of the portion of the object (e.g.shaft of the pipette) is visible to a user. In an exemplaryimplementation, the housing has a “frosted” or translucent but not verytransparent surface. In some implementations, the height of thereflector is about ⅓, ½ or ⅔ of the height of the side wall.

The apparatus also includes a control circuit for controlling theoperation of the unit. The length of time, the wavelength of the UVlight, and/or the intensity of the light can be controlled with thecircuit.

In some implementations, the object to be decontaminated is a pipettehaving a handle portion connected to a shaft portion, and wherein theopening is configured to pass the shaft portion into the enclosure andhold the handle portion.

In some implementations, the opening comprises expandable clip forholding the object. In some implementations, the openings are aligned inthe cap in a circular fashion.

In some implementations, the cap further comprises a handle forcontrolling rotation of the cap. In some implementations, the handleprotrudes along a vertical central axis of the housing.

In some implementations, the cap further comprises a protrusion towardsthe base, wherein the width and the length of the protrusion is sized toreduce escaping of the light through the openings.

In some implementations, the protrusion and the housing areindependently made from a polymer such as polycarbonate.

In some implementations, the protrusion is of tubular shape andcomprises or consists essentially of polycarbonate.

In some implementations, the side wall of the housing is circular andthe housing rotates together with the cap.

In some implementations, the reflector is in the shape of a circularwall and comprises a polyester surface coating.

In some implementations, the light source is positioned along thevertical axis. In some implementations, the light source is attached tothe base. In some implementations, the light source irradiates lighthaving wavelength ranging from about 240 to about 280 nm. In someimplementations, the light source irradiates light having wavelength ofabout 254 nm.

In some implementations, the apparatus further comprises a controlcircuit for controlling operation of the light source.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method ofeliminating or reducing contaminating microorganisms or biologicalcontaminants from at least a portion of an object. The method includesexposing the portion to be decontaminated to the UV light in theenclosure of the apparatus of the present disclosure. The length of timein exposing to UV light depends on the specific instrument and thecontaminants thereon. In some implementations, the time ranges fromabout 1 to about 60 minutes, from about 5 to about 35 minutes, or fromabout 10 to about 30 minutes. The wavelength of the light is similarlyadjustable depending on the contaminants to be removed. In someimplementations, the method utilizes light having wavelength rangingfrom about 240 to about 280 nm. In some implementations, the wavelengthis fixed at about 254 nm.

Various types of biological contaminants can be reduced or eliminated.Non-limiting examples of the biological contaminants include DNA,mycoplasma, bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

In some implementations, the biological contaminant contains DNA, whichcan be destroyed by the UV light. In some implementations, thebiological contaminant includes bacteria and the UV light damages anddestroys DNA of the bacteria.

In some implementations, the object is a pipette having a handle portionconnecting to a shaft portion, and the shaft portion is exposed to thelight. In some implementations, the biological contaminant is bacteria,and DNA of the bacteria is damaged or destroyed by the UV light.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings referenced herein form a part of the specification.Features shown in the drawings are meant as illustrative of some, butnot all, embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwiseexplicitly indicated, and implications to the contrary are otherwise notto be made. Although in the drawings like reference numerals correspondto similar, though not necessarily identical, components and/orfeatures, for the sake of brevity, reference numerals or features havinga previously described function may not necessarily be described inconnection with other drawings in which such components and/or featuresappear.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary implementation of a decontaminationapparatus in accordance with the present disclosure having a cap, ahousing and a base.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of an exemplary implementation of adecontamination apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure,having a cap with multiple opening, clips, and a handle.

FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of an exemplary implementation of adecontamination apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of an exemplary implementation of adecontamination apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure,having a cap with multiple opening, clips, a handle, and a protrusion,and a base including a socket for UV lamp.

FIG. 5 illustrates a sectional view of an exemplary implementation of adecontamination apparatus in accordance with the present disclosurecomponents having a cap, housing, and base, wherein the cap includesmultiple opening, clips, a handle, and a protrusion; the housingincludes a side wall, a bottom and a reflector; and the base includes alight source, a retainer and a weight.

FIG. 6 illustrates a partial exploded view of an exemplaryimplementation of a cap and components of a decontamination apparatus inaccordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates a partial exploded view of an exemplaryimplementation of a base and housing of a decontamination apparatus inaccordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates a sectional view of a pipette in an exemplaryimplementation of a decontamination apparatus in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a graphical representation of the germicidal effect of theapparatus on S. aureus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Some examples of the present disclosure will now be described more fullyhereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some,but not all examples of the disclosure are shown. Indeed, variousaspects of the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms andshould not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein.Rather, these examples are provided so that this disclosure will bethorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the disclosureto those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals refer to likeelements throughout.

As used herein, “and/or” means any one or more of the items in the listjoined by “and/or”. As an example, “x and/or y” means any element of thethree-element set, e.g., {(x), (y), (x, y)}.

The following detailed description is merely illustrative in nature andis not intended to limit the implementations of the subject matter orthe application and uses of such implementations. As used herein, theword “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance, orillustration.” Any implementation described herein as exemplary is notnecessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over otherimplementations. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by anyexpressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field,background, brief summary or the following detailed description.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, examples of the presentdisclosure include apparatus and methods for storage and/ordecontamination purposes. The apparatus is adaptable to various types ofobjects including for example medical devices and research instruments.Without sacrificing its storage utility, the apparatus is structurallyand functionally advantageous over conventional devices by offeringeffective decontamination. In particular, the decontamination processdoes not require a separate germicidal device and removes biologicalcontaminants, including for example, DNA, mycoplasma, bacteria, fungiand viruses.

While the apparatus disclosed herein is often described in the contextof lab equipment, such as pipettes of various kinds, its application isextendible to other objects carrying microorganism.

Turning to FIG. 1 , an exemplary implementation of a decontaminationapparatus includes cap 1, housing 2 and base 3. The apparatus servesdecontamination and storage function for pipette 4.

Referring to FIG. 2 , an exemplary apparatus of the top view includescap 1, opening 11, clip 12, and handle 13. The shape and size of theopening can certainly be adjusted depending on the object (e.g.,pipette) to be decontaminated. While the figure illustrates 6 openings,the cap can be configured to have fewer or more opening. If necessary,the openings can be staggered on the cap and positioned in differentdistances to the center of the cap. Clip 12 is shown to be under opening11. The actual positioning and shape of the clip may vary. Clip 12 canalso be replaced with a ring or guide tube sized to pass only the shaftof the pipette. While handle 13 is in the center of the cap, one or morehandles can be placed near the perimeter of the cap. The handle can havea knob or grip for ease of control and moving the apparatus. FIG. 3shows a bottom view of the apparatus.

Referring to FIG. 4 , an exemplary implementation of cap 1 includesopening 11, clip 12, handle 13, and protrusion 14. Base 3 includes powerinlet 38 and socket 36 for installing UV lamp.

Referring to FIG. 5 , an exemplary apparatus includes cap 1, housing 2and base 3. Cap 1 further includes opening 11, clip 12, and handle 13.Housing 2 includes side wall 21, bottom 22 and reflector 23. Base 3includes lamp 31, retainer 32, weight 33, base cover 34, and socket 36.The handle portion 41 of pipette 4 is secured at opening 11. Meanwhile,shaft portion 42 passes through opening 11 into the enclosure and isexposed to UV light.

Referring to FIG. 6 , an exemplary structure of cap 1 includes opening11, clip 12 attached to opening 11, handle 13 and protrusion 14. The capcan be sealed to the housing at the edge and form an enclosure, whichrotates around a central axis of the housing. In some implementations,the top edge of the housing side wall in contact with the perimeter ofthe cap forms a retainer and guide the rotation of the cap while thehousing remains stationary. The tube shaped protrusion 14 is positionedalong the vertical central axis of the housing and serves to block orreduce escaping light through opening 11. As long it serves such apurpose, any protrusion from the cap can be incorporated into the cap.For instance, a protrusion may include a rod with a round shield at theend. Of course, the protrusion should not interfere with the entry ofthe component/portion into the enclosure and subsequent UVdecontamination. In some implementations, at least the area of theprotrusion for blocking UV light is made from a material comprising orconsisting essentially of polycarbonate.

Referring to FIG. 7 , an exemplary implementation includes componentsfor the base and the housing. Specifically, housing components includeside wall 21, bottom 22 and reflector 23. Sidewall 21 is preferably madefrom a material that block or reduce “leaking” of UV light. In someimplementation, side wall 21 comprises polycarbonate. The height andangle of reflector 23 is such that maximum amount of light is reflectedto the area of the object that needs to be decontaminated. The reflectoris preferably aligned as a circular wall and thus provides reflectionfrom the entire 360° angle. In some implementations, the reflectormirror comprises a metal (e.g., aluminum) substrate or backing and apolymer (e.g., polyester) surface coating.

Referring to FIG. 8 , an exemplary implementation shows pipette beingposition in the apparatus. The wider handle portion 41 is being held inopening 11 by clip 12. The narrower shaft portion goes into theenclosure and is exposed to UV light from lamp 31. Reflector 23 assistswith a 360° radiation. Protrusion 14 reduces light escaping throughopening 11.

The housing is held in place to the base via retainer 32, which alsoguides the rotation of the housing. Besides retainer 32, the baseincludes lamp 31, weight 33, base cover 34, control circuit 35, andsocket 36. Power inlet and control button/knob (manual or digital) canalso be included in the base. In combination with the control circuit,the control button sets the time and/or power of UV irradiation. Weight33 helps stabilize the unit. In some implementations, the apparatus isbattery powered or contains backup battery which adds portability to thedevice.

EXAMPLE

In one non-limiting example of an exemplary implementation of adecontamination apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure, anirradiating 254 nm UV light was tested in for its microorganism-killingeffect. Adjustable pipettes were inoculated with S. Aureus and placed inthe decontamination apparatus. The UV radiation was directed around thepipette shaft. With the assistance of the reflector, the decontaminationapparatus provided 360° coverage, exposing the entire shaft to thegermicidal lamp's effect. The preset timer activated the light for 28minutes. The pipettes were removed from the apparatus at different timeduring the decontamination cycle and after the cycle and then rinsed toremove any residual contamination. The rinses were then plated and theCFU counted to determine the effectiveness of the germicidal lamp. Asshown in FIG. 9 , it was determined that the length of time waseffective for reducing S. aureus by up to 99%.

Many modifications and other examples of the disclosure set forth hereinwill come to mind to those skilled in the art to which this disclosurepertains, having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoingdescriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to beunderstood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specificexamples disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments areintended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associateddrawings describe aspects of the disclosure in the context of certainexample combinations of elements and/or functions, it should beappreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions maybe provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scopeof the appended claims. In this regard, for example, differentcombinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitlydescribed above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of theappended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they areused in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes oflimitation.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for decontaminating pipettes,comprising: a housing defining an internal chamber and comprising: afirst closed end defining a plurality of openings each shaped to receivetherethrough a working end of a pipette, an array of expandable clipspositioned within the internal chamber proximate the first closed end,wherein each clip of the array of expandable clips comprises opposingextenders protruding toward and in alignment with one each of theplurality of openings, and an elongate, tubular protrusion positionedcentrally within the array of expandable clips and extending toward thebase; and an ultraviolet light source received in the internal chamberof the housing; wherein the elongate, tubular protrusion terminates moreproximate the ultraviolet light source than the array of expandableclips and has an area that blocks ultraviolet light, thereby preventingultraviolet light from escaping from the internal chamber through theplurality of openings.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the array ofexpandable clips is an annular array disposed about a vertical centralaxis of the housing.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein each clip ofthe array of expandable clips is C-shaped.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2,wherein each expandable clip is oriented at an angle relative to thevertical central axis with a most radial outward portion being closer tothe bottom of the housing than a most radial inward portion.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of openings isgenerally pear-shaped with the wider bottom portion oriented toward thevertical central axis.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein an area ofthe elongate, tubular protrusion blocks UV light and said area comprisespolycarbonate material.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of theplurality of openings comprises a guiding channel extending into theinternal chamber.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongate,tubular protrusion and the housing are each made of polycarbonate. 9.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongate, tubular protrusion has aclosed end proximate the ultraviolet light source.
 10. The apparatus ofclaim 1, comprising a reflector proximate an interior surface of thehousing in a surrounding relationship to the ultraviolet light source.11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a capdefining the plurality of openings, wherein the cap is removable. 12.The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a base to which thehousing is rotatably connected, wherein the cap has a handle configuredto control rotation of the housing relative to the base.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 12, wherein the bottom of the housing defines anaperture, and a retainer is seated in the aperture; wherein the retainerguides rotation of the housing relative to the base.
 14. The apparatusof claim 12, wherein the base comprises an electrical light sockethaving the ultraviolet light source received therein and a controlcircuit for controlling said electric light socket.
 15. An apparatus fordecontaminating pipettes, comprising: a housing defining an internalchamber and comprising: a first closed end defining a plurality ofopenings each shaped to receive therethrough a working end of a pipette,an array of expandable clips positioned within the internal chamberproximate the first closed end, wherein each clip of the array ofexpandable clips comprises opposing extenders protruding toward and inalignment with one each of the plurality of openings, and an elongate,tubular protrusion positioned centrally within the array of expandableclips and extending toward the base; and an ultraviolet light sourcereceived in the internal chamber of the housing; wherein the elongate,tubular protrusion terminates more proximate the ultraviolet lightsource than the array of expandable clips and has an area that blocksultraviolet light, thereby preventing ultraviolet light from escapingfrom the internal chamber through the plurality of openings; and acontrol circuit and an activation means operatively connected to thecontrol circuit, wherein the control circuit is configured to control awavelength of the ultraviolet light and/or a length of time foractivation of the ultraviolet light.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15,wherein the control circuit is configured to maintain the wavelength ofthe ultraviolet light at 254 nm.
 17. The apparatus of claim 15, whereinthe control circuit is configured to have a length of time of 28minutes.
 18. The apparatus of claim 15, comprising a reflector proximatean interior surface of the housing in a surrounding relationship to theultraviolet light source.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein thereflector is configured to provide 360° reflection of the ultravioletlight around the entire working end of each pipette.
 20. The apparatusof claim 19, wherein the reflector comprises a polyester surfacecoating.